February 27 is the new date for Joseph Parker's heavyweight boxing 'superfight' against fellow Kiwi Junior Fa.
Duco Events boss David Higgins has confirmed the news, revealing Fa successfully underwent a mystery surgery last month.
The undefeated Fa pulled out of the original December 12 fight, after he experienced a drop in performance during training and anomalies were found in his blood tests.
"While the postponement of the fight was disappointing, the most important thing is that both fighters are at their very best and there are no excuses, when they step into the ring," Higgins says.
Higgins points to the record-setting 2009 showdown between David Tua and Shane Cameron, which was also delayed, after Cameron broke his hand during a tune-up fight.
“Interest only grew during the delay and the fight went on to set viewership records that still stand today.
"And we all saw what happened when a clearly very frustrated David Tua finally got the chance to unleash his fury."
Parker, the No.3-ranked heavyweight under the WBO banner, says he will stamp his mark on the division, come February 27.
"We’d been working really hard to ensure I peaked in December, and delivered a performance that would have made the heavyweight division sit up and take notice," Parker says.
"It was very disappointing when Junior had to postpone, but these things happen in boxing. The good thing is that Junior is now on track to be 100 percent fit and ready to go in February.
"I wouldn’t want it any other way."
Fa, ranked No.6 by the WBO, is looking forward to putting his health issue behind him and preparing for the biggest fight of his career.
"It is never ideal when these things happen, but I’m happy and relieved to confirm I’m now well and truly back on track," he says.
“I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a long time now, so to once again have a date locked in is great.
"Joseph Parker has held a world title before, so when I beat him, I’ll be a giant step closer to realising my own dream."
A win for either could set up a WBO title fight against Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, if Anthony Joshua has to vacate to pursue a bout with Tyson Fury.
